Cheba Hut Plants Its Flag in Nebraska With First-Ever Lincoln Joint

July 22, 2026 // Franchising.com // LINCOLN, Neb. — A new stop for toasted subs, cold drinks and laid-back vibes is coming to Lincoln. Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs, a counterculture sandwich shop known for its atmosphere and bold flavors, is opening its first Nebraska location on July 30.

To celebrate the milestone, the new Lincoln shop is throwing a grand opening bash packed with giveaways. In true Cheba fashion, the 420th customer through the door will score $420 cash, and five lucky attendees will walk away with a full year of free Cheba Hut. Anyone who rolls through on opening day can also snag a goodie bag, available while supplies last.

Located roughly a mile from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and just blocks from Lincoln High School, the new restaurant is at the heart of one of Lincoln's most vibrant and active neighborhoods. The shop is surrounded by longtime staples and social hubs, including Haymarket attractions, Pinnacle Bank Arena, venues that host Lincoln Stars hockey and Saltdogs baseball, nearby skate-culture landmarks and views of the Nebraska State Capitol right from the windows.

The Lincoln location is the first for the local group behind the venture. Andrea and Aaron Remaklus, Lincoln-area locals, are involved in the project. Cheba Hut founder Scott Jennings, a Nebraska native, has long said bringing the concept home to Lincoln was a goal.

“What kept pulling us back was the atmosphere around Cheba Hut,” said Andrea Remaklus, franchise owner. “There are people who already know exactly what this place is, and there are others who are walking in for the first time without knowing what to expect. The fun part is seeing those first-timers realize pretty quickly that it isn’t just about grabbing food. The energy feels different. The people behind the counter want to be there, and the guests hanging out want to stay a while.”

Like every destination across Chebaverse, the Lincoln restaurant tells a local story through custom artwork that celebrates the surrounding community. Lincoln artist Danny Reneau created the shop's signature mural, drawing inspiration from the Telegraph District's history and Nebraska pride. The piece blends together imagery from the area's past and present with bright colors, bold lines and hidden surprises throughout. Guests can spot references including the State Capitol, telephones that nod to the district's historical roots, corn husks, a Speedway Motors-inspired roadster and a collection of visual easter eggs tucked into the design.

Beyond the centerpiece mural, the space has a large covered patio, a full-service bar and additional pieces by local artists throughout.

For customers stepping inside for the first time, Cheba Hut serves more than 30 signature toasted subs offered in Nug (4-inch), Pinner (8-inch) and Blunt (12-inch) sizes. Sub names include White Widow (chicken, bacon and ranch), Kali Mist (turkey, bacon and pepper jack), the Dank (pepperoni, salami, marinara and melted mozzarella) and the Griefo (cream cheese, avocado and greens).

The menu also includes sides such as pretzel nugs and garlic cheese bread, desserts including Krispy Bars and cookies, and a Kool-Aid bar.

Cheba Hut Lincoln will be open Sunday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight. Beginning in September, late-night hours will extend until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

With its mix of toasted subs and a neighborhood-first approach, the restaurant features a mascot named “Flip the Bird,” as part of its branding.

SOURCE Cheba Hut

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